Pubdate: Fri, 22 Oct 2004 Source: News-Item (PA) Copyright: The News Item 2004 Contact: http://www.newsitem.com/ Author: Jake Betz, Managing Editor DRUG BUSTS HELP, BUT D.A. CALLS ON COMMUNITY COAL TOWNSHIP -- Northumberland County District Attorney Tony Rosini Thursday urged greater community involvement in efforts to combat a serious drug problem in the region. Speaking at the fall meeting of People for Progress Coalition, Rosini said law enforcement agencies are doing what they can to put local drug dealers behind bars, but called on churches, schools, parents and organization to launch a community-wide effort to deter young people from using drugs. Those in attendance commended Rosini for his office's role in recent drug busts. The district attorney noted these arrests would not have possible were it were not for the existence of the drug task force that functions in Northumberland and Montour counties. The task force, which is supported through a grant from the state attorney general, coordinates the efforts of law enforcement agencies throughout the two counties. The program provides for utilization of more manpower, more money and more time to conduct widespread investigations that would be impossible if municipal police departments had to act on their own, Rosini noted. Although the drug problem in Northumberland and surrounding counties is not as serious as in metropolitan areas, the fact is criminal cases in Northumberland County alone have tripled in 20 years, with most of the increase coming from drug cases, Rosini said. He added that there been an increase in the use of more dangerous drugs during that time. Rosini said that when he became an assistant district attorney in the 1980s, most drug arrests involved marijuana. Today, there is an abundance of heroin (in a very pure form) and crack cocaine. Because drug users commit other types of crimes to support their habit, the drug problem has a highly negative impact on the area's quality of life, he noted. Rosini said the local war on drugs could be helped through greater public awareness, public support and public enthusiasm. He said he does not believe there is a sufficient level of concern in working together to prevent more people from turning to drugs. "We can prevent our communities from deteriorating by embarking on a community-wide effort" in making younger people more aware of the dangers of drugs, Rosini remarked. In other business at the semi-annual People for Progress meeting, Margaret Lutz, who retired as the coalition's director on Sept. 10, received legislative citations sponsored by state Rep. Robert Belfanti and Sen. John Gordner. Belfanti praised People for Progress in general and Lutz in particular for providing support on important projects that have benefited the area. Mary Kroutch, representing Gordner, agreed with Belfanti and added that Lutz worked tirelessly in promoting all the many worthwhile projects undertaken by the organization. Janice C. Witrosky was welcomed as new coalition director. Fran Filarski, president of the coalition, provided a brief update on ongoing projects, including a program in which computers received from Geisinger System Services have been refurbished and donated to children in Mount Carmel Area and Holy Spirit schools who qualify for the reduced lunch program and did not have computers in their homes. The next phase of the program will allow for computers to be provided to eligible students at Meadowview Academy, Queen of Peace School and Shamokin Area Elementary School. - --- MAP posted-by: Larry Seguin